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FC St. Pauli on alert: Lyon are chasing Eric Smith!
St. Pauli faces transfer rumors amid Olympique Lyon's interest in Eric Smith.
FC St. Pauli on alert: Lyon are chasing Eric Smith!
The summer months not only bring sunshine, but also numerous rumors about transfers in football. Same with FC St Pauli, who has been active on the market since returning to the Bundesliga. Eric Smith, the club's defensive player, is currently the focus of French club Olympique Lyon.
Lyon is known for wanting to strengthen its own ranks. Defense is on the agenda, and Smith appears to be a promising option. According to the national sports portal Foot Mercato The 28-year-old is a priority in the French plans, but it is noteworthy that Lyon has not yet made a concrete move for the player.
Contract situation and appreciation at St. Pauli
Eric Smith extended his contract with St. Pauli in October 2024, with the term running until 2027 or even 2028 indicating he has more than just a short stay in mind. Last season, Smith was able to secure the club's relegation with 32 league games and decisive performances. This appreciation at the club contrasts with Lyon's current financial dilemma, with the club in over €500 million in debt, which has brought with it a transfer ban and salary caps.
The Kiezkicker's sporting management seems to understand the situation clearly and has decided not to comment on speculation about possible departures. Nevertheless, Lyon's financial situation is causing a lot of headaches. How Transfer market reports, the club must generate income of 175 million euros by May in order to avert the threat of forced relegation.
Lyon and the search for reinforcements
With the sale of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City, part of this income could already be secured. The transfer amounted to a proud sum of 36.5 million euros. However, the situation is tense: players like Duje Caleta-Car and Warmed Omari, who are on the list of departures, are not being considered further. Nevertheless, Smith remains a hot topic in central defense, but due to the current situation he could also consider a move to the Bundesliga or England.
In the current situation of the negotiations, there are hardly any signs that Smith will leave St. Pauli in the near future. But the option of a lucrative offer could definitely change the tact among those responsible in Hamburg. However, Smith and his family feel comfortable in Hamburg, which further puts their desire to leave the neighborhood into perspective.
Finally, it should be noted that the coming weeks could be exciting. The sports world is watching closely to see how the situation surrounding Eric Smith will develop and whether Lyon can overcome the financial hurdles to perhaps make a fresh start in a new environment at the age of 28.